ERIAC Announces the 4th Edition of the Tajsa Roma Cultural Heritage Prize
The European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) is pleased to announce that the 4th edition of the Tajsa Roma Cultural Heritage Prize Award Ceremony & Gala will take place on Saturday, 29 November 2025, at the Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest, beginning at 19:00.
The Tajsa Prize is awarded every two years to a Roma individual whose work strengthens and renews Roma cultural heritage. The 2025 finalists are Coco Reyes, Noell Maggini, Riah Knight, Sead Kazanxhiu, and Selma Selman, representing a wide range of artistic fields and cultural practices. The Prize includes a €10,000 award, supported by ERIAC’s associated members.
This year’s event brings together ERIAC’s international network, members, partners, and friends, alongside the five finalists, for an evening dedicated to celebrating Roma cultural achievement. The award ceremony is accompanied by a specially curated artistic programme that highlights the richness and diversity of Roma creativity today.
Hosted by Zita Moldovan and Adrian Tudor, the ceremony will be conducted in Romani and English.
Artistic Programme
The evening opens with Zejna Murkić, accompanied by Aleksa Stanković on piano, performing Gelem, gelem and Roma.
The programme continues with Antonio Piculeață, joined by Maria Muntean (piano) and Maria Bîldea (harp). His performance brings a classical dimension to the gala, presented by one of the most talented young Romanian violinists.
The gala concludes with a performance by members of Mahala Rai Banda, internationally recognised for their influential contribution to contemporary Romani and Balkan music.
2025 Tajsa Prize Finalists
The 2025 edition of the Tajsa Prize brings forward five outstanding Roma creators whose work reflects the diversity and strength of contemporary Roma cultural production. Coco Reyes, Noell Maggini, Riah Knight, Sead Kazanxhiu, and Selma Selman each contribute a distinct artistic voice, working across visual arts, fashion, music, performance, and socially engaged practice. Their contributions affirm the evolving forms of Roma cultural expression and the leadership shaping its future.
>> Meet the Tajsa Prize 2025 Finalists
Event Information
Date: 29 November 2025 Time: 19:00
Venue: Romanian Athenaeum, Bucharest – Strada Benjamin Franklin 1-3, Bucharest
Dress code: Fashionably elegant
Registration: Attendance is by registration only.
Watch Live
The event will be livestreamed online via ERIAC’s YouTube channel
Rooted in ERIAC’s founding principles, the Tajsa Roma Cultural Heritage Prize affirms the importance of Roma arts and culture in Europe. “Tajsa”—tomorrow—reflects our collective commitment to safeguarding Roma heritage while supporting the creators shaping its future.
